Ok, yes I did buy an 03 WRX but,,,

I was at the Mazda/Honda/Volvo dealership in Clear Lake TX for the last few days, cause my friend was buying a Volvo S60 T5. Well I finally got to actually sit in an RX-8 for the first time ever. They had six of them there and are selling them for sticker, supposedly.

Anyway, I am just a hair over 6' tall and weigh about 220 (large frame with big chest) so fit was a concern. I am pleased to say that the 8 is much more comfortable than I expected. I was easily able to adjust the seat so as to allow good leg extension and a comfortable sitting angle.

The shifter was nice, as was several other things about the car. I was very impressed/pleased with the quality of most parts, trim, controls, etc. They did a very good job on everything.

I got my WRX at the end of April, just over four months ago. The AWD has proved to be even more impressive than I expected. I have definitely become addicted to it. But I can say without a doubt that if I were suddenly in the market for a two-wheel-drive sports car, I think it would have to be the 8. Definitely looks like the best tradeoff sportscar and four seater around. And if they decide to give it AWD,,, well I'm heading back to the Mazda dealership.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. The RX-8 exudes of quality inside and out. I especially like the chaparral leather on a Red RX-8, really nice.

Like you, I dont own the car. My future vehicle will be a Nissan 350Z. If I needed a sports car that can seat 4 adults comfortably (not token kiddy seats), the RX-8 would be it. Its a great buy.

 

Now this is nice , someone who owns a different car who can still appreciate the virtues of other models. Bravo sir!! (and nice car, by the way!

 

No slam on either the WRX nor the 350Z. Tweety, I know you are waiting for your to be delivered and I know you'll love the car. It is refreshing that we can all understand what motivates people to purchase different cars.

When I was still shopping and the 350Z was still on my list, I found most at the 350Z forum to be very helpful....even though I told them the RX8 was also on my list.

WRX, by the way, IS a good car, too. Subaru is on a bit of a run up here lately, and I'm glad for them.

 

I never understood why mustang owners dont like camaros
and chevy vs ford trucks.
I like imports and the main reason is most import owners respect others whether its honda,acura,mazda,lexus,bmw.
Until I started posting on this forum I never heard import owners bashing on other import owners.
It's good to see people acting like adults finally on this thread

 

Thanks graphicguy. Funny thing, I could have gotton a red RX-8 GT with the chaparral leather right now ... but noooo I had to be a chicken. Oh the irony of it all :D

Yeah Subaru is on a roll, they are turbo-charging every car in their line-up. I still cant believe how fast the Forester XT is, at 5.2 secs 0-60 it will outrun the 350Z, RX-8 ... heck its as fast as a base Corvette! A Mini-SUV that can take-on a lot of sports cars... I thought I would never see the day but it has arrived!

Hopefully Nissan and Mazda will take the hint and start turbo-charging their cars as well.

 

tweety....I drove the Forrester XT....that's some SUV. If an SUV were on my shopping list, the XT would be at the very top of it. I also drove the WRX and for the amount of money they are asking for those (about $22K after discounts), you have to give it serious consideration of you're after that type of experience.

 

I drove both of them and I was going back and forth with the EVO and the STI. The problem I had with both cars is they each had two different personalities. At low speeds they were like a regular sedan and then when you hit the gas it was Hold on tight ....... Warp Speed NOW!!!!

I wanted a more linear acceleration. To my surprise I almost got the Neon SRT-4. The acceleration is excellent with "60 mph in 5.6 seconds, to 100 in 13.8, covers a quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 102 mph, and all the way to 153 mph." It had one personality and it said touch me and I rock and roll. It's a great car, but I choose differently in the end.

 

I think that is one of the best sleepers ever, unfortunately sleeper status doesn't last long In a couple years if I'm tired of my WRX by then I think I will be picking up the Legacy B4. If you think Subaru is on a roll now wait til that thing is released... The wagon just beat the RS6 in August edition of best motoring.

As for fitting alright in the RX-8 I had problems, but I think it's my weird driving position, I drive a little more forward than most and am used to having a more bent knee position (years of racing karts) and the steering wheel just would not raise enough for my liking. Did you take the RX-8 out for a spin Retrodog? I'm curious to know what another WRX owner thought of the handling and acceleration.

Mikeb, I think those days are becoming a thing of the past. It's getting to the point that many car companies are making great performance cars, and true car people respect each one of them for what they do well. There's about 20 affordable cars out there I would have no problems owning if I had the money, some domestic, some import. I'll let the truck guys keep their brand loyalty and just enjoy all the great things the auto industry is turning out.

Ike

 

For that reason, I believe that if Mazda were to upgrade the RX-8's engine, I think they should supercharge it, not turbocharge it. The torque curve on the RX-8 is already steep enough. Turbocharging it would only steepen it. Supercharging would do a better job of shifting the curve up consistently through the RPM's.